Our Work
Applied research
Our research has always gone hand in hand with the application of social science theory and methods. We find answers to pressing practical and policy questions which require decisions and action. Our range of research services includes:
- research and policy reviews
- action research and evaluation
- exploratory research on contemporary issues.
How we work
We work across disciplinary boundaries and draw on a range of different research methods. Our researchers are particularly skilled in the areas of in-depth qualitative work using
- observation
- unstructured and semi-structured interviews
- focus groups
- documentary and discourse analysis techniques.
We use all of these to model and map phenomena in a systematic way. When needed, we also use quantitative methods, or work together with other research organisations which specialise in complementary techniques (for example, large scale surveys, econometrics or operations research).
Where we work
Typically our research takes place where sectorial and institutional boundaries intersect. We work across the areas of:
- central and local government
- employment and social inclusion
- ICT and information society
- health, public health and social care
- training and professional development
- European commission/European Union
- voluntary, community and faith sectors
Select area of Research…
Featured Case Study
Evaluation of the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC) within the context of eEurope
OMC was first introduced at the Lisbon Council (2000) to:
- Offer a means of spreading good practice and achieving greater convergence towards the main EU goals; and
- Help member states to progressively develop their own policies. One of the first applications of the method was the eEurope Action Plans (2002 and 2005).
Against this background, this evaluation was commissioned by the DG Information Society of the European Commission in Autumn 2003. Its overall objective was to gauge the impact and effectiveness of the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC) which is a multi-level governance approach within the context of eEurope. The latter was the European Action Plan for the realisation of the Information Society (IS) across the EU.
